Coral Gables, Fla. – The 10th ranked <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>University of Miami women’s tennis team will host former BIG EAST rival Boston College Monday, March 7th at 6:00 p.m. to kick off their eight-match homestand that spans through the month of March. “March Madness” will see six ranked opponents, which include ACC rivals (34) Florida State, (9) North Carolina, (62) Virginia, (59) Maryland and (72) NC State, enter the confines of the Neil Schiff Tennis Center.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
“The month of March is incredibly important considering that five out of our eight opponents are ACC opponents,” notes head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews. “This being our first year in the ACC, it’s a huge opportunity for us to make an impact as one of the top teams in the conference.”
The Hurricanes (7-2 overall, 1-0 ACC), who have won five straight matches, made an immediate impact in their inaugural ACC season opener against fellow newcomer Virginia Tech, when they blanked their former BIG EAST rivals, 7-0, in Blacksburg February 27th.
“March Madness” will feature pivotal matches against instate rival (34) FloridaState on March 11th and ninth ranked North Carolina on March 16th. FloridaState’s line-up is highlighted by 16th ranked Mihaela Moldovan, who is also ranked eighth in doubles alongside teammate Lindsay Deason. North Carolina’s roster boasts four ranked players including No. 23 Kendall Cline and the No. 9 doubles tandem of Cline and Aniela Mojzis.
A win over UNC would help the Hurricanes in their quest for a bid to host a regional tournament.
“Our main focus early in the month is FloridaState and North Carolina,” continued Yaroshuk-Tews. “Getting a win over a team like UNC, who is ranked above us, will help our chances of hosting a regional tournament, which is one of our goals. We have to keep our schedule clean and we have to beat opponents that are ranked above us in order to host a regional event.”
The Hurricanes, who are on an 18 match win streak in Coral Gables dating back to last season when they finished with a 14-0 record at the NeilSchiffTennisCenter, also hope to build momentum into April where they will play what Yaroshuk-Tews calls their “biggest matches of the year.”
The Hurricanes will close out the regular season with a four-match road swing against fifth ranked Duke, No. 33 Wake Forest, No. 18 ranked and defending ACC Champion Clemson, and No. 23 Georgia Tech. Both Duke and Clemson reached the elite eight of the 2004 NCAA Team Championships, with Clemson advancing to the final four.
“Building momentum in March will help us go into early April against Duke, WakeForest, Clemson and Georgia Tech with extreme confidence,” said Yaroshuk-Tews.
The month of March will also help the Hurricanes solidify their lineup for the latter part of the season, by defining their No. 6 player. Yaroshuk-Tews is looking to find a player who can consistently win at the No. 6 position and do so against ranked players.
“March is going to be a proving ground for the No. 6 position,” continued Yaroshuk-Tews. “Somebody needs to step up and prove that they can not only win at No. 6, but that they can beat UNC and FSU at No. 6. By the end of March we’ll have a defined No. 6 player that can win in April and May, the most important parts of the season.”
Admission to the NeilSchiffTennisCenter is free for both students and the general public. For the latest Miami women’s tennis news and results, stay tuned to hurricanesports.com.
“March Madness” Schedule
Mar. 7 Mon. BostonCollege 6:00 p.m.
Mar. 11 Fri. (34) FloridaState* 6:00 p.m. – UM Women’s Tennis Alumni Reunion
Mar. 12 Sat. BostonUniversity 2:00 p.m.
Mar. 16 Wed. (9) North Carolina* 6:00 p.m. – First 100 Students receive FREE PIZZA
Mar. 18 Fri. (62) Virginia* 6:00 p.m.
Mar. 20 Sun. (59) Maryland* 12:00 p.m.
Mar. 25 Fri. (57) South Florida 6:00 p.m.
Mar. 27 Sun. (72) NC State* 9:00 a.m.
* Indicates ACC Match